Archive-2017

THE ARCHIVE FILES > Archive-2017
A reasonable year for trips. The spring and early summer were particularly busy. This was due to my spotting companion Andy, having taken early retirement, which meant that we could get out more. However, after the summer and into the autumn, things went quiet as he went back to work again and I had to spend most of my waking hours working on a property my wife and I had bought! Still, 75 trips out was at the top end so I must not complain. The highlight was a trip on the Night Riviera Sleeper followed by three lovely mid-summer days exploring Cornwall, Devon and Somerset with Andy.

Statistics - 75 trips, 1,184 photgraphs, 66.5 GB
Click here to search The Archive Files


1. New Year's Day on the NLR-01.01.17 Our traditional New Year's Day visit to the Northampton and Lamport Railway just a short distance from home. In pouring rain, my wife, son and I walked up from Merry Tom Lane and took the Mince Pie Special that was steam hauled by the resident Peckett R4 Class 0-4-0ST 2104.
Our traditional New Year's Day visit to the Northampton and Lamport Railway just a short distance from home. In pouring rain, my wife, son and I walked up from Merry Tom Lane and took the Mince Pie Special that was steam hauled by the resident Peckett R4 Class 0-4-0ST 2104.
2. Trip to Box-10.01.17 I was receiving some treatment for a neck condition at a specialist in Box just outside Bath. I made a series of trips to the West Country over the spring of 2017. Some trips, as is the case with this one, were made with my friend in spotting, Andy. We always combined these trips with something to do with railways!
I was receiving some treatment for a neck condition at a specialist in Box just outside Bath. I made a series of trips to the West Country over the spring of 2017. Some trips, as is the case with this one, were made with my friend in spotting, Andy. We always combined these trips with something to do with railways!
3. Trip to Skegness-18.01.17 A pretty dismal winter day out. Andy and me went in his Nissan Micra to a very grey Skegness. He needed all the stations on the old Great Northern line and I needed most of the signal boxes. We had a brief stop on the ECML north of Peterborough on the journey out.
A pretty dismal winter day out. Andy and me went in his Nissan Micra to a very grey Skegness. He needed all the stations on the old Great Northern line and I needed most of the signal boxes. We had a brief stop on the ECML north of Peterborough on the journey out.
4. Trip to Box-24.01.17 The second trip to Box with my friend Andy. I left him at Chippenham station whilst I went the short distance on to Box for some more specialist treatment on my neck.
The second trip to Box with my friend Andy. I left him at Chippenham station whilst I went the short distance on to Box for some more specialist treatment on my neck.
5. The MIdland Meander-18.02.17 I picked Andy up and we popped down to the Marston Vale line between Bedford and Bletchley in order to see UK Railtours 'A Midland Meander'. This ran as 1Z67 staring and Euston and going via a circuitous route ending up at Stratford-on-Avon. It used DB Cargo stock and 67s top and tale.
I picked Andy up and we popped down to the Marston Vale line between Bedford and Bletchley in order to see UK Railtours 'A Midland Meander'. This ran as 1Z67 staring and Euston and going via a circuitous route ending up at Stratford-on-Avon. It used DB Cargo stock and 67s top and tale.
6. 1Z65 NR test train-19.02.17 I managed to combine a shopping visit with my wife and son to Milton Keynes and a rare Sunday test train working! I dropped the pair of them off and I nipped back to the WCML at Bradwell.
I managed to combine a shopping visit with my wife and son to Milton Keynes and a rare Sunday test train working! I dropped the pair of them off and I nipped back to the WCML at Bradwell.
7. Trip to Box-21.02.17 My third trip of the year to Box in Wiltshire for a neck treatment. Again, I went with Andy. We passed Box and had a bit of time at Bath station where I left Andy picking him up later at Chippenham on the journey back.
My third trip of the year to Box in Wiltshire for a neck treatment. Again, I went with Andy. We passed Box and had a bit of time at Bath station where I left Andy picking him up later at Chippenham on the journey back.
8. Trip to London-23.02.17 Another of our trips to London! This time, my wife and I went to see Calendar Girls. It was all going to be quite a routine trip but for the natural event named as Storm Dorris!
Another of our trips to London! This time, my wife and I went to see Calendar Girls. It was all going to be quite a routine trip but for the natural event named as Storm Dorris!
9. Roade Cutting & Victoria Bridge-27.02.17 Andy came over to do some tutoring with my son. Before the work we had an hour out to play! We went to Roade Cutting and then to Victoria Bridge just near to home.
Andy came over to do some tutoring with my son. Before the work we had an hour out to play! We went to Roade Cutting and then to Victoria Bridge just near to home.
10. Trip to Birmingham-12 & 13.03.17 Our annual pilgrimage to Birmingham to the Yonnex World Championship Badminton Tournament involves a weekend away with my wife and son. While they go shopping on the Saturday afternoon, I usually go off and play somewhere! This year, I took the train to Worcester to take another look at the wonderful mechanical signalling.
Our annual pilgrimage to Birmingham to the Yonnex World Championship Badminton Tournament involves a weekend away with my wife and son. While they go shopping on the Saturday afternoon, I usually go off and play somewhere! This year, I took the train to Worcester to take another look at the wonderful mechanical signalling.
11. The Shoulder of Lune-18.03.17 A walk across the field from home to see The Shoulder of Lune railtour. Even though the weather was pretty grey, I didn't mind too much when the effort to get some pictures was as minimal as this!
A walk across the field from home to see The Shoulder of Lune railtour. Even though the weather was pretty grey, I didn't mind too much when the effort to get some pictures was as minimal as this!
12. Sunday freight workings-19.03.17 As the spring sun was out I took quick ride out on Bertie my Brompton on a Sunday lunchtime to see the regular freight through Roade Cutting
As the spring sun was out I took quick ride out on Bertie my Brompton on a Sunday lunchtime to see the regular freight through Roade Cutting
13. The Cathedrals Express-21.03.17 Another neck treatment at Box but this time on my own as Andy was 'otherwise engaged'. I travelled down in my Audi TT and called in at the Avon Valley very close where I grew up to capture a steam charter. The weather was looking promising even though I drove through a snow shower or two on the way!
Another neck treatment at Box but this time on my own as Andy was 'otherwise engaged'. I travelled down in my Audi TT and called in at the Avon Valley very close where I grew up to capture a steam charter. The weather was looking promising even though I drove through a snow shower or two on the way!
14. Trip to London-23.03.17 Yet another visit to London, this time to see the musical Stepping Out. As usual, I went with my lovely wife and we enjoyed a super day out!
Yet another visit to London, this time to see the musical Stepping Out. As usual, I went with my lovely wife and we enjoyed a super day out!
15. The Winter Cumbrian Coast Express-25.03.17 Andy popped over early so we could go out and see The Cumbrian Coast Express pass near to our homes. I had a bit of a disaster as I managed to leave my memory card at home. So, Andy donated his picture to me to add to the archive.
Andy popped over early so we could go out and see The Cumbrian Coast Express pass near to our homes. I had a bit of a disaster as I managed to leave my memory card at home. So, Andy donated his picture to me to add to the archive.
16. The Cathedrals Express-01.04.17 Andy and me went over to the Midland Mainline for the Cathedrals Express and the 5Q57 Electrostar drag. We chose a spot that we had visited before but it has since been made far more difficult to use as the bridge has been completely rebuilt with huge and completely unnecessary parapets for the forthcoming electrification.
Andy and me went over to the Midland Mainline for the Cathedrals Express and the 5Q57 Electrostar drag. We chose a spot that we had visited before but it has since been made far more difficult to use as the bridge has been completely rebuilt with huge and completely unnecessary parapets for the forthcoming electrification.
17. Grand National Special-08.04.17 Now a regular event during springtime, there are usually a number of specials in association with the Aintree Grand National that make their way along the WCML from London. However, in 2107 there was only one that I was able to capture. Incidentally, the 2017 National winner was One For Arthur at 14/1.
Now a regular event during springtime, there are usually a number of specials in association with the Aintree Grand National that make their way along the WCML from London. However, in 2107 there was only one that I was able to capture. Incidentally, the 2017 National winner was One For Arthur at 14/1.
18. EMU drag & Flying Scotsman LE move-11.04.17 A nice spring day during which I went out three times to see a Wolverton EMU drag and 60103 'Flying Scotsman' running light engine.
A nice spring day during which I went out three times to see a Wolverton EMU drag and 60103 'Flying Scotsman' running light engine.
19. Trip to London-13-15.04.17 A short break to London with my wife and son. The main purpose was for us to see the incredible Harry Potter play (if that's the right name for it?) at The Palace Theatre. I avoided Oxford Street shopping by doing some railway bits, a relief for both my wife and myself!
A short break to London with my wife and son. The main purpose was for us to see the incredible Harry Potter play (if that's the right name for it?) at The Palace Theatre. I avoided Oxford Street shopping by doing some railway bits, a relief for both my wife and myself!
20. The Suffolk Circular-20.04.17 Just two days after the surprise 2017 general election had been announced, Andy and I had our spring day out. Travelling in his Nissan Micra, we took in a circular tour of Suffolk. A nice early spring day with the sun out that helped us enjoy some nice stations and a couple of signal boxes.
Just two days after the surprise 2017 general election had been announced, Andy and I had our spring day out. Travelling in his Nissan Micra, we took in a circular tour of Suffolk. A nice early spring day with the sun out that helped us enjoy some nice stations and a couple of signal boxes.
21. The Conwy Explorer & The Cumbrian Mountain Express-22.04.17 A Saturday morning visit to Victoria Bridge to see two specials. As one ran very late, I went out again later to see it across the field from home.
A Saturday morning visit to Victoria Bridge to see two specials. As one ran very late, I went out again later to see it across the field from home.
22. Midland Mainline-27.04.17 A few hours out with Andy to the MML not far from our respective homes. I nipped over to pick Andy up in my Combo van and we headed the short distance to just north of Bedford.
A few hours out with Andy to the MML not far from our respective homes. I nipped over to pick Andy up in my Combo van and we headed the short distance to just north of Bedford.
23. Sharnbrook-04.05.17 Another local trip out with Andy to the MML. This time, we went to Sharnbrook in Bedfordshire travelling in his Nissan Micra.
Another local trip out with Andy to the MML. This time, we went to Sharnbrook in Bedfordshire travelling in his Nissan Micra.
24. The Leeds & Hull Executive-06.05.17 As life member of the Deltic Preservation Society, I am always excited when one on 'my' engines is out on the main line! I went out twice on this day to see 55009 (D9009) 'Alycidon' working up and then down the ECML leading 'The Leeds and Hull Executive'. This ECML is the natural home of these mighty beasts and where their power can be fully exploited and enjoyed in their full grandeur!
As life member of the Deltic Preservation Society, I am always excited when one on 'my' engines is out on the main line! I went out twice on this day to see 55009 (D9009) 'Alycidon' working up and then down the ECML leading 'The Leeds and Hull Executive'. This ECML is the natural home of these mighty beasts and where their power can be fully exploited and enjoyed in their full grandeur!
25. The Didcot Round & The Class 88 VIP Launch Train-09.05.17 For my birthday treat this year, Andy and I went to see the Chiltern Bubble cars in their final days of operation with Chiltern. Unfortunately, the plans were tharwted by us running too late so' after a rapid re-think, we ended up with some HST action on the GWML. In the evening, I nipped out to see the first class 88 hauled passenger train passing near to home on the WCML.
For my birthday treat this year, Andy and I went to see the Chiltern Bubble cars in their final days of operation with Chiltern. Unfortunately, the plans were tharwted by us running too late so' after a rapid re-think, we ended up with some HST action on the GWML. In the evening, I nipped out to see the first class 88 hauled passenger train passing near to home on the WCML.
26. Trip to London-10.05.17 For my birthday treat my wife and I went to London. In the afternoon, we went to the theatre to see 'Who's afraid of Virginia Wolf' starring the incredible Imelda Staunton. After, we had a super dinner before heading home.
For my birthday treat my wife and I went to London. In the afternoon, we went to the theatre to see 'Who's afraid of Virginia Wolf' starring the incredible Imelda Staunton. After, we had a super dinner before heading home.
27. The Cumbrian Mountain Express-13.05.17 Another Cumbrian Mountain Express on the WCML but nobody can can have too many pictures of 86259 on the national network! As my wife's Range Rover was parked at the front of the drive I took that the short distance to Blisworth, something I'm not allowed to do very often!
Another Cumbrian Mountain Express on the WCML but nobody can can have too many pictures of 86259 on the national network! As my wife's Range Rover was parked at the front of the drive I took that the short distance to Blisworth, something I'm not allowed to do very often!
28. Midland Mainline-17.05.17 A few hours on the Midland with Andy near Sharnbrook in Bedfordshire.
A few hours on the Midland with Andy near Sharnbrook in Bedfordshire.
29. Chiltern Bubble Car finalé-19.05.17 An early morning start on a miserable May morning and drive to Aylesbury to enjoy the final day of Chiltern's 'Bubble Car' DMU operations. This drew the crowds out and provided a fitting end to the last operational first-generation DMU workings on the Network!
An early morning start on a miserable May morning and drive to Aylesbury to enjoy the final day of Chiltern's 'Bubble Car' DMU operations. This drew the crowds out and provided a fitting end to the last operational first-generation DMU workings on the Network!
30. The Cumbrian Mountain Express-20.05.17 A lovely but chilly drive out with the roof down on my Audi TT to a spot next to the Grand Union Canal near to the village of Bugbrooke on the Weedon Loop of the WCML to see another Cumbrian Mountain Express.
A lovely but chilly drive out with the roof down on my Audi TT to a spot next to the Grand Union Canal near to the village of Bugbrooke on the Weedon Loop of the WCML to see another Cumbrian Mountain Express.
31. 0Z88 LE move-21.05.17 A Sunday lunchtime trip out on my trusty Bertie Brompton bike to see 86259 doing its customary return light engine move following railtour duties yesterday.
A Sunday lunchtime trip out on my trusty Bertie Brompton bike to see 86259 doing its customary return light engine move following railtour duties yesterday.
32. Trip to Liverpool-25.05.17 A work trip to Liverpool with my boss involved travelling up via train to Liverpool South Parkway and then a local trip on Merseyrail to Sandhills. After collecting a car, we drove back to Northamptonshire.
A work trip to Liverpool with my boss involved travelling up via train to Liverpool South Parkway and then a local trip on Merseyrail to Sandhills. After collecting a car, we drove back to Northamptonshire.
33. Trip to London-25.05.17 A day out in London with my lovely wife to see Mdm. Rubenstein at the superb Park Theatre in Finsbury Park.
A day out in London with my lovely wife to see Mdm. Rubenstein at the superb Park Theatre in Finsbury Park.
34. 0Z72 & 5Z51-04.06.17 A walk across the field from home for a class 68 hauled ECS move then, a little later, a nip out on the Brompton for another ECS working, this time, double-headed by a pair of 67s
A walk across the field from home for a class 68 hauled ECS move then, a little later, a nip out on the Brompton for another ECS working, this time, double-headed by a pair of 67s
35. The Suffolk & Essex ring-07.06.17 A lovely day out in Suffolk and Essex with Andy. A leisurely day for once in the ever-reliable Combo van.
A lovely day out in Suffolk and Essex with Andy. A leisurely day for once in the ever-reliable Combo van.
36. Victoria Bridge-13.06.17 An hour or so at Victoria Bridge with Andy. As it was a Tuesday, he came over to do some tutoring with my son who was about to sit his GCSE examinations. For some reason that eludes me, we went in Andy's rather ancient and battered but much loved Nissan Serena of 1996 vintage!
An hour or so at Victoria Bridge with Andy. As it was a Tuesday, he came over to do some tutoring with my son who was about to sit his GCSE examinations. For some reason that eludes me, we went in Andy's rather ancient and battered but much loved Nissan Serena of 1996 vintage!
37. The Welsh Central Liner-17.06.17 A ridiculously early star in the morning and a drive across the country in my Audi TT to the Severn Estuary (Welsh side) to capture The Welsh Central Liner railtour hauled by 55009 'Alycidon'. It was a stunning summer day with temperatures to match. It was also nice to bump into Martin Loader of 'Honda Wanderer' fame at the same spot!
A ridiculously early star in the morning and a drive across the country in my Audi TT to the Severn Estuary (Welsh side) to capture The Welsh Central Liner railtour hauled by 55009 'Alycidon'. It was a stunning summer day with temperatures to match. It was also nice to bump into Martin Loader of 'Honda Wanderer' fame at the same spot!
38. Father's Day on the NLR-18.06.17 Our traditional local trip to the Northampton and Lamport Railway for my Father's day treat. We took our bikes to a point north of the railway and rode there and back for a little light exercise!
Our traditional local trip to the Northampton and Lamport Railway for my Father's day treat. We took our bikes to a point north of the railway and rode there and back for a little light exercise!
39. Trip to Cornwall & Devon-20-23.06.17 For our big summer trip this year, Andy and I decided to take the Night Riviera Sleeper to Cornwall. We then hired a car, a natty white Fiat 500, and worked our way back to Devon and then back home via the L&SW route. Andy had huge gaps to fill in his stations' book and I wanted a more comprehensive look at Cornwall's mechanical signalling so it all worked out well for both of us. We stayed one night in Plymouth and the second in Exeter right opposite St. David's station. The trip coincided with the end of one of the summer's great hot spells - at least we had one decent day of weather on the first day!
For our big summer trip this year, Andy and I decided to take the Night Riviera Sleeper to Cornwall. We then hired a car, a natty white Fiat 500, and worked our way back to Devon and then back home via the L&SW route. Andy had huge gaps to fill in his stations' book and I wanted a more comprehensive look at Cornwall's mechanical signalling so it all worked out well for both of us. We stayed one night in Plymouth and the second in Exeter right opposite St. David's station. The trip coincided with the end of one of the summer's great hot spells - at least we had one decent day of weather on the first day!
40. Trip to London-27 & 28.06.17 A trip to London with my wife including an overnight stay for two epic events. Firstly, to see 42nd Street at The Theatre Royal Drury Lane and secondly to see the incredible Tony Bennett in concert at the Albert Hall.
A trip to London with my wife including an overnight stay for two epic events. Firstly, to see 42nd Street at The Theatre Royal Drury Lane and secondly to see the incredible Tony Bennett in concert at the Albert Hall.
41. Roade Cutting & 5M94-08.07.17 A trip on Bertie the Brompton to Roade Cutting to see the 5M94 class 319 unit drag. However, there were all sorts of problems on this morning both north and south and it appeared to be cancelled so I went home. However, a short time later, it was all on again so I had to dash out from home again just getting there in time!
A trip on Bertie the Brompton to Roade Cutting to see the 5M94 class 319 unit drag. However, there were all sorts of problems on this morning both north and south and it appeared to be cancelled so I went home. However, a short time later, it was all on again so I had to dash out from home again just getting there in time!
42. Trip to Halifax-13.07.17 A work trip to Halifax by train to collect a new car bought for a customer. On my own this time with a super drive back in a nice new VW Polo!
A work trip to Halifax by train to collect a new car bought for a customer. On my own this time with a super drive back in a nice new VW Polo!
43. The Cumbrian Mountain Express-15.07.17 Here we go again! Another visit out to see the CME, but a little further south than I normally go!
Here we go again! Another visit out to see the CME, but a little further south than I normally go!
44. 0Z89 LE move-16.07.17 The regular light engine return move of the class 86 is captured from the field at the front of my house!
The regular light engine return move of the class 86 is captured from the field at the front of my house!
45. The Wessex Wanderer-19.07.17 A really interesting day out with Andy around the Wessex area. We started off on the Berks and Hants line near Newbury then headed down towards the Romsey and Southampton area. We then headed back up L&SW mainline with the thunderstorms heralding the end of the proceeding hot and dry weather following us!
A really interesting day out with Andy around the Wessex area. We started off on the Berks and Hants line near Newbury then headed down towards the Romsey and Southampton area. We then headed back up L&SW mainline with the thunderstorms heralding the end of the proceeding hot and dry weather following us!
46. Golf Open Special-21.07.17 Before work I nipped down to the village to catch a special heading to the Open Golf tournament at Royal Birkdale. Incidentally, Jordan Spieth won the tournament.
Before work I nipped down to the village to catch a special heading to the Open Golf tournament at Royal Birkdale. Incidentally, Jordan Spieth won the tournament.
47. Harrowden Junction-25.07.17 Prior to a convivial curry evening with a couple of former work colleagues, I stopped off at Harrowden Junction just north of Wellingborough on the MML.
Prior to a convivial curry evening with a couple of former work colleagues, I stopped off at Harrowden Junction just north of Wellingborough on the MML.
48. ECML-26.07.17 A few hours on the ECML with Andy photographing everything before its starts changing next year. We went to the Sandy and St. Neots area travelling in my Combo van.
A few hours on the ECML with Andy photographing everything before its starts changing next year. We went to the Sandy and St. Neots area travelling in my Combo van.
49. ECML-02.08.17 Another few hours on the ECML with Andy. This time, we visited the interesting section of the line near to the Offords between St. Neots and Huntingdon.
Another few hours on the ECML with Andy. This time, we visited the interesting section of the line near to the Offords between St. Neots and Huntingdon.
50. Trip to Mum and Sharon's-05-07.08.17 A weekend to my mum's at Frome. My wife, son and I drove there via a stop at Swindon.
A weekend to my mum's at Frome. My wife, son and I drove there via a stop at Swindon.
51. The Absent Shunter-13.08.17 The Absent Shunter railtour ran from Newcastle to Crewe, then via the WCML to north London and finally to Basingstoke. It was unusual in that it ran on a Sunday and with no return working, I nipped out from home to see it passing Roade Hill between Roade and Ashton on the southern WCML.
The Absent Shunter railtour ran from Newcastle to Crewe, then via the WCML to north London and finally to Basingstoke. It was unusual in that it ran on a Sunday and with no return working, I nipped out from home to see it passing Roade Hill between Roade and Ashton on the southern WCML.
52. ECML-16.08.17 Another morning on the ECML photographing everything that was about as within 18 months the whole scene will be very different with the HSTs and the class 91s disappearing.
Another morning on the ECML photographing everything that was about as within 18 months the whole scene will be very different with the HSTs and the class 91s disappearing.
53. Sunday freight on the fast line-20.08.17 Due to closure of the Northampton loop line for Sunday engineering works, everything was going via the Weedon line including a bit of freight. So, a pleasant ride out on my Brompton was in order!
Due to closure of the Northampton loop line for Sunday engineering works, everything was going via the Weedon line including a bit of freight. So, a pleasant ride out on my Brompton was in order!
54. ECML & WCML-23.08.17 After a few hours on the ECML near Huntingdon and Sandy with Andy I had a short stint on the WCML at Weedon after picking my computer up from the repairers. Both trips were done in my Combo van.
After a few hours on the ECML near Huntingdon and Sandy with Andy I had a short stint on the WCML at Weedon after picking my computer up from the repairers. Both trips were done in my Combo van.
55. Roade Cutting-28.08.17 A Bank Holiday visit to Rode Cutting whilst on a walk around the village.
A Bank Holiday visit to Rode Cutting whilst on a walk around the village.
56. Holiday in Florence-31.08-06.09.17 Our summer holiday this year took my wife, son and I to the beautiful Italian city of Florence. Along with doing all the sights and lapping up the Renaissance culture I was able to get in some visits to the station that was a short distance from our hotel. We also had a trip to Pisa by train.
Our summer holiday this year took my wife, son and I to the beautiful Italian city of Florence. Along with doing all the sights and lapping up the Renaissance culture I was able to get in some visits to the station that was a short distance from our hotel. We also had a trip to Pisa by train.
57. The Cathedrals Express & The Greendale Rocket-09.09.17
58. Roade-12.09.17 Whilst on a walk around the village, I happened to be passing the railway when a freight was passing Hyde Bridge.
Whilst on a walk around the village, I happened to be passing the railway when a freight was passing Hyde Bridge.
59. Trip to London-20.09.17 Yet another trip to London with my wife. This time, we went to see a production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof by Tennessee Williams at the National Theatre.
Yet another trip to London with my wife. This time, we went to see a production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof by Tennessee Williams at the National Theatre.
60. The Yorkshireman-24.09.17 A Saturday morning trip out with Andy to see The Yorkshireman railtour hauled by 'Union of South Africa' on the MML. Nice to get some local steam, shame about the grey weather!
A Saturday morning trip out with Andy to see The Yorkshireman railtour hauled by 'Union of South Africa' on the MML. Nice to get some local steam, shame about the grey weather!
61. The Cumbrian Coast Express-30.09.17 Yet another grey and drab autumn morning, what happened to warm and mellow fruitfulness? A trip out in my Combo van to a new spot that I have been meaning to try local to home to see another Cumbrian Caost/Mountain Express.
Yet another grey and drab autumn morning, what happened to warm and mellow fruitfulness? A trip out in my Combo van to a new spot that I have been meaning to try local to home to see another Cumbrian Caost/Mountain Express.
62. The Cumbriam Mountain Express-14.10.17 Another Cumbrian Mountain Express. This time from a soon to closed pedestrian bridge in the village of Roade where I live. The closure is supposed to be for a few months but I can see it going on much longer to inconvenience villagers (and photographers!) as much as possible!
Another Cumbrian Mountain Express. This time from a soon to closed pedestrian bridge in the village of Roade where I live. The closure is supposed to be for a few months but I can see it going on much longer to inconvenience villagers (and photographers!) as much as possible!
63. Trip to London-18.10.17 One of of our regular London trips found my wife and I visiting to see Juliet Stevenson lead in the play Wings at the Young Vic theatre.
One of of our regular London trips found my wife and I visiting to see Juliet Stevenson lead in the play Wings at the Young Vic theatre.
64. Holiday in Norfolk-21-27.10.17 Our anual autumn pilgrimage to Norfolk staying at Kelling Heath. This is situated right next to the North Norfolk railway!
Our anual autumn pilgrimage to Norfolk staying at Kelling Heath. This is situated right next to the North Norfolk railway!
65. Trip to Birmingham-13. & 14.11.17 An overnight visit to Birmingham with my lovely wife to see the incredible 70s pop icon Blondie in Concert.
An overnight visit to Birmingham with my lovely wife to see the incredible 70s pop icon Blondie in Concert.
66. The Cathedrals Express-18.11.17 With the morning light becoming a bit touch and go, the 1Z86 path was becoming increasingly difficult to photograph. Locations had to be chosen for maximum light and the weather had to relatively good. I chose the footbridge in Roade that crosses the railway at the site of the old station. Despite the path leading to the bridge being 'temporarily closed' for the building of new houses, I managed to get to it!
With the morning light becoming a bit touch and go, the 1Z86 path was becoming increasingly difficult to photograph. Locations had to be chosen for maximum light and the weather had to relatively good. I chose the footbridge in Roade that crosses the railway at the site of the old station. Despite the path leading to the bridge being 'temporarily closed' for the building of new houses, I managed to get to it!
67. Trip to Birmingham-23 & 24.11.17 Another Birmingham overnighter for the wife and I. This week it was to see the 80s band Banarama perform. What a riotous night of fun it was, with loads of dancing and singing along to their many classics!
Another Birmingham overnighter for the wife and I. This week it was to see the 80s band Banarama perform. What a riotous night of fun it was, with loads of dancing and singing along to their many classics!
68. The Chester Christmas Cracker-25.11.17 It was my son's birthday but I was still allowed out early to see the steam hauled Chester Christmas Cracker railtour as long as I was home early enough to make the bacon sandwiches for breakfast; deal done!
It was my son's birthday but I was still allowed out early to see the steam hauled Chester Christmas Cracker railtour as long as I was home early enough to make the bacon sandwiches for breakfast; deal done!
69. Trip to London-28.11.17 Another trip to London with my beautiful wife to see Mike Garson perform at The Underworld Venue in camden.
Another trip to London with my beautiful wife to see Mike Garson perform at The Underworld Venue in camden.
70. Trip to London-02 & 03.12.17 Our anual family trip to London for the tennis masters event held at the Royal Albert Hall. For a change this year, I went down with my son on Saturday as my wife was already in London having attended a works event on Friday evening.
Our anual family trip to London for the tennis masters event held at the Royal Albert Hall. For a change this year, I went down with my son on Saturday as my wife was already in London having attended a works event on Friday evening.
71. The York Yuletide Express-16.12.17 A short drive over to Wellingborough to see the steam hauled York Yuletide Express. I went to the Nene Valley to get it crossing the Fourteen Arches viaduct just south of the town. A beautiful crisp winter's morning mad the trip out worthwhile!
A short drive over to Wellingborough to see the steam hauled York Yuletide Express. I went to the Nene Valley to get it crossing the Fourteen Arches viaduct just south of the town. A beautiful crisp winter's morning mad the trip out worthwhile!
72. 5Z43 LE move-23.12.17 Just two days before Christmas and I have time to nip out to Victoria Bridge to see the 5Z43 steam light engine movement. Unfortunately, it was a very dull day, but it was only two days after the shortest day.
Just two days before Christmas and I have time to nip out to Victoria Bridge to see the 5Z43 steam light engine movement. Unfortunately, it was a very dull day, but it was only two days after the shortest day.
73. Trip to London-28 & 29.12.17 A two-day trip to London with my wife and son. We went to see the excellent play 'Everybody's talking about Jamie'. My wife and son undertook some shopping in the sales, I opted out and visited Paddington to get some HST pictures; far more interesting!
A two-day trip to London with my wife and son. We went to see the excellent play 'Everybody's talking about Jamie'. My wife and son undertook some shopping in the sales, I opted out and visited Paddington to get some HST pictures; far more interesting!
74. Victoria Bridge-30.12.17 Having over-indulged during the festive period, I took a walk over the fields to Victoria Bridge. I slung my camera over my shoulder and spent a short while taking a few pictures before taking a brisk walk home.
Having over-indulged during the festive period, I took a walk over the fields to Victoria Bridge. I slung my camera over my shoulder and spent a short while taking a few pictures before taking a brisk walk home.
75. New Year's Eve in Roade Cutting-31.12.17 It has become a bit of a personal tradition for me to take a walk out on New Year's Eve to finish off the last twelve months of railway photography with an hour or so at the lineside. This year, I went to one of my favourite local haunts, just ten minutes walk from home, Roade Cutting.
It has become a bit of a personal tradition for me to take a walk out on New Year's Eve to finish off the last twelve months of railway photography with an hour or so at the lineside. This year, I went to one of my favourite local haunts, just ten minutes walk from home, Roade Cutting.
Would you like to be contacted when images are added or updated? If so, enter your email: